At Bucks Mont Orthodontics in Warrington, PA, we strive to offer the widest possible variety of treatments to our patients. You can be sure that you’ll find a treatment option that fits your or your child’s dental needs, preferences and lifestyle. When it comes to the types of braces and aligners available at Bucks Mont Orthodontics, you can choose between metal braces, clear braces like LightForce or clear aligners (Invisalign).
Metal Braces
Even though traditional metal braces have been around for a long time, they are far from outdated. They are more comfortable and effective than ever before. At Bucks Mont Orthodontics, Dr. Patel uses low profile braces, which are smaller than normal and less irritating to the gum tissue and cheeks.
Metal braces use stainless-steel brackets and wires to apply pressure to each individual tooth, gradually guiding your teeth into a healthy alignment and giving you a perfect, gorgeous smile. In addition, rubber elastics connect the upper and lower braces helping to correct the alignment of your teeth and jaw. This is where you can add your personalized touch and express your creativity by choosing different colored elastics at each visit!
Ceramic (Clear) Braces
If you would prefer your braces to be less prominent, ceramic or clear braces might be a great option for you. The use of ceramic material allows the brackets to be clear or matched to the natural color of your teeth. Ceramic braces are slightly larger and more brittle than metal braces. They can accomplish anything traditional metal braces can do and be less noticeable. For teens and adults, they deliver excellent results.
Sometimes it is not possible to have the ceramic braces on both the top and bottom teeth. In these cases, Dr. Patel and the team at Bucks Mont Orthodontics can do a combination approach where ceramic braces are used on the top teeth and metal braces are used on the bottom teeth.
LightForce Clear Braces
Dr. Patel also offers LightForce clear braces, a clear bracket system where each bracket is 3D-printed to match the exact shape of the tooth it sits on. Unlike standard brackets that come in one-size-fits-all shapes, LightForce brackets are designed from precise digital scans of your mouth. That custom fit pairs the discreet, tooth-colored look of clear braces with more accurate tooth movement.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
For those who want a nearly invisible solution, clear aligners are the way to go. Customized removable plastic trays are used for your top and bottom teeth to straighten your smile. The trays are removed for eating, brushing and flossing, meaning that they will not impact your daily activities as deeply as braces may. Using removable aligners does require some self-control. If you don’t wear them for 20-22 hours a day, they can’t do their job, but they offer amazing results when used correctly. Another perk of clear aligners is that appointments are quick and less frequent!
Clear aligners can handle most of what metal and ceramic braces can, though some complex cases still do best with braces.
Which Type of Braces Is Right for You?
The best choice depends on your bite, your lifestyle and how visible you want your treatment to be. Metal braces are the most versatile option for complex cases at any age. Clear braces like LightForce give you fixed brackets with a more discreet look. Invisalign suits mild to moderate cases for patients who are disciplined about wearing their aligners. If you’re weighing the last two, our guide to choosing between Invisalign and braces walks through the tradeoffs in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Braces
What are the main types of braces?
The main types are metal braces, ceramic (clear) braces and clear aligners like Invisalign. Bucks Mont Orthodontics offers metal braces, LightForce clear braces and Invisalign.
Which type of braces is best for adults?
Adults can use any of them, since healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Many adults choose Invisalign or LightForce clear braces because they’re more discreet at work and in social settings, while metal braces remain a strong choice for more complex cases.
Do clear braces work as well as metal braces?
Clear ceramic braces can accomplish anything traditional metal braces can do while being less noticeable. They’re slightly larger and more brittle than metal brackets, so in some cases Dr. Patel may recommend clear braces on the top teeth and metal braces on the bottom.
How do I know which type of braces I need?
A free consultation is the best way to find out. Dr. Patel will examine your teeth and bite, talk through your goals and recommend the option that fits you or your child best.
To review these options and to determine which type of braces is best for you or your child, schedule a complimentary consultation with the smile experts at Bucks Mont Orthodontics, proudly serving Warrington, Warminster, Chalfont, Doylestown, Jamison, Horsham and the neighboring communities. Call 215-398-0794 to get started!
